NBA: While All Eyes Are on Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers Not Missing a Beat

If you pay attention to any publication of the NBA you understand what’s going down in South Beach.

You know that LeBron, Wade and Co. struggled in the first game against the Celtics, but have since been cruising convincingly with wins over Philadelphia, Orlando, New Jersey and Minnesota. Everyone is following this team closely, diagnosing their every move, something we’ve never seen before so early into a season.

It’s amazing how the Lakers have won their first five games by an average margin of 13 points, yet they’ve received little recognition. They are the defending champs, they’ve won back-to-back titles and have been in the Finals the last three seasons.

Not to mention they have the most skilled basketball player on the planet—Kobe Bryant.

Bryant had his 17th career triple double last night in a win verse the Kings with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists while not turning the ball over once. His teammates around him have been solid as well.

The hot-and-cold Lamar Odom has been scorching hot early on with three double-doubles and averaging 16.6 points per game.

Pau Gasol has scored at least 20 in every contest.

Derek Fisher came through in the clutch (like always) with seven straight points in the fourth with the Kings cutting into the lead.

Forwards Ron Artest and Matt Barnes have been playing well defensively in their respective roles.

Guards Shannon Brown and Steve Blake have been playing quality minutes off the bench and seem to compliment each other well.

The Lakers might even be better than last season. Newcomers Matt Barnes and Steve Blake seem to be perfect fits. Rookies Derrick Character and Devin Ebanks have been good in limited playing time.

This team is brewing out West, feeding off the lack of attention they aren’t receiving thanks to those in South Beach. Secretly, this team loves it.

You think an aging Kobe isn’t going to love be neglected despite what he’s accomplished? Kobe fiends for doubters, anything to fuel him and his Lakers fire.

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